America's capital, a totally-planned city, is full of majestic marble monuments
celebrating the ideals of "liberty and justice for all." The public area,
a big park called the "Mall", is laid out in a rough cross shape, with the
Washington Monument at its axis, and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials,
Capitol, and White House at each of its ends. There is
a "bird’s-eye" view of the city from the 500-foot level of the Washington
Monument so you can see where everything is. During this weekend there
is usually a Festival of American Folk life on the Mall.

You may go on your own at many points in the tour, but a staff member will be available to help you, when needed. Here are some of the sights we will see
and a suggested itinerary:

4th of July Fireworks - celebrating the anniversary of
the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Britain (1776)

Jefferson Memorial - A beautiful domed monument to the Third president
of the United States, who was also an architect who loved domed structures.
He was a first-class political philosopher who drafted the text for the Declaration
of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Our vantage point will give you
a great photo foreground for the memorial.

White House - Presently there is not a tour inside
the White House, but we will go to the best places where you can get
close-up photos of the exterior. Who knows? Maybe
the President will wave to you!

Ford’s Theatre: restored to look exactly as it looked the fateful
night of April 14, 1865 when actor John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln while he
was watching a comedy drama to relax after the Civil War ended. The House
Where Lincoln Died is right across the street.

Museums of the Smithsonian Institution: A government-subsidized
collection of artifacts and memorabilia founded in the 1800's which line the
Mall on both sides. The museums are organized by themes
or areas of interest. Here are a few which you can visit:

National Museum of American History - The original "Star-Spangled
Banner", the actual inaugural gowns of many of the presidents’ wives, as
well as exhibits on high-tech communication, native Americans, and America’s
diversity fill this large museum.

National Museum of Natural History - See the world’s largest diamond,
dinosaur skeletons, ahuge stuffed real elephant, moon rocks, and
exhibits on ancient cultures.

National Air and Space Museum - Life-sized replicas of famous "firsts" in
space exploration, the real first airplane, first lunar orbiter, and the plane
that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima. Excellent IMAX movies and planetarium shows
are options for about $8-10 each.

Arlington National Cemetery - Visit John F. Kennedy’s Grave, the
Arlington House (where Southern General Robert E. Lee retired so he could
keep his eye on what was going on in Washington), and the Tomb of Unknown
Soldier, with its "changing of the guard" ceremony.

Lincoln Memorial - The site also where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave
his "I Have a Dream" speech--and where Forrest Gump jumped into the reflecting
pool!

National Gallery of Art - Two buildings in one, with both classical
and modern art in buildings that are themselves great works of art.

U.S. Supreme Court - We will go inside if it is open, but usually
the court is not in session during this holiday weekend.

U.S. Capitol Building - Though Congress is seldom in session at
this time, you can see where they meet, and be awed by the amazing sculptures
and paintings on the inside of the dome.

Planning Your Budget:

Extra costs (not included in $125 registration fee):

transportation to and from Washington, D.C.

Meals while sightseeing.

Optional Extras:

IMAX movies at National Air & Space Museum

Admission to most other museums, the monuments, and the national zoo is free, but a few museums charge an entrance fee.

Round-trip transportation from Columbia,
SC costs $125 extra.
Pay IFM a total of $250
if you ride with us.

Arrival:

Buses and trains arrive in downtown Washington. If you are flying, come
to Ronald Reagan Airport (NOT Dulles or Baltimore-Washington). Arrive before
5:00 p.m. on the Tour's opening day. You will then take local public transportation
to our meeting point. (It is very convenient if you are coming by train or
airplane; if you are coming by bus, it is not difficult, but do not bring
heavy luggage, as you need to walk a couple of blocks.) We will send directions
to meeting point after you register. Plan return departure after breakfast on the last day of the Tour.

Schedule:

Thursday, July 3

Arrival at host church for
a light supper. Take Washington Metro subway system GREEN LINE to the
College Park Metro station, then we will pick you up at that Metro station
around 6:00 p.m. Be sure your plane, bus, or train arrives by 5:00
to allow you enough time to get to the Metro station. All transfers within
stations are free as long as you purchase the right amount on your fare
card. Ask any station security personnel for help in knowing how to buy
the fare cards. We will send you more specific directions after you register.
Wait to be picked up. If you are driving, we will send you a map, or email
directions to you.

6:00 p.m. Enjoy a picnic meal with the host church.

7:00 p.m. Orientation; meet host families and go home
with them.

Friday, July 4

9:30 a.m.take Metro downtown for sightseeing.(suggestions given below, but you
can plan your own schedule here as long as you are at your pickup point on time)

Washington Monument

U.S. Capitol Building (must obtain
free tickets)

12:00 p.m. Lunch in food court at Union Station, or
another place of your choice

Visit National Gallery of Art, National Air and Space Museum, or the Museum of National History.

5:15 p.m. Take the metro to the College Park University of Maryland station (green line).

5:45 Meet your van & go to the host church for a picnic with the host families, followed by
Independence Day fireworks. Then go home with your
host family.

Saturday, July 5

9:30 a.m. Take the metro downtown for sightseeing.

12:00 p.m. Purchase your lunch.

5:00 p.m. Dinner on
your own.

7:45 p.m.
Take the Metro to meet your host family.

8:30 p.m.
Go home with your host families for the evening.

Sunday, July 6

9:15 a.m. Attend services at Wallace Presbyterian Church

12:15 p.m. Lunch and planned activity or sightseeing

8:00 p.m. Meet host families and go home for the evening.

Monday, July 7

8:30 a.m. Meet at host
church to depart for home campuses. We will arrange
transportation to a Metro Station for those needing
to get to the bus or train station or airport.